Types of dental fillings: which one is right for your smile?
You notice a zing when you sip cold water. Your tongue keeps catching on a rough edge. That is your tooth quietly asking for help. A filling can stop decay, restore strength and get you back to comfortable chewing. The right material depends on where the tooth sits, how big the cavity is, how hard you bite and how you want it to look.
This guide explains the options with evidence where it matters, and practical examples you can picture clearly, not just read on a chart.
Why dentists use different materials
Front teeth are showpieces; molars are workhorses. A front tooth needs a natural colour match so you can smile without thinking about it. A molar has to survive thousands of powerful bites every day. Your dentist weighs up durability, conservation of healthy tooth, appearance, longevity and cost to choose the best material for that exact tooth.
For an overview of what fillings are and when you might need one, the national summary from Healthdirect is a helpful starting point. Victoria’s Better Health Channel overview of dental fillings also explains the common materials and aftercare in simple terms.
The main types of dental fillings
Composite resin
Best for: Visible teeth and small to medium cavities
Typical lifespan: About 5 to 10 years, depending on bite forces and oral hygiene
What it feels like: Once polished, the surface feels glassy, and your tongue glides over it without snagging
Why people choose it: Composite bonds to enamel and dentine, so the dentist often removes less healthy tooth tissue. It blends with your natural shade, is placed in one visit, and small chips can be repaired
Considerations: Very large chewing surfaces can push composite to its limits. It can gradually pick up stains from coffee, tea, red wine or tobacco
Analogy: Think of composite like a high-quality filler and paint for a wall. Ideal when you want a seamless finish that looks like the original surface
Amalgam (silver)
Best for: Larger back teeth where strength is the priority
Typical lifespan: Commonly 10 to 15 years or more
What it feels like: Firm and solid under the bite, sometimes slightly cool to the tongue at first
Why people choose it: Amalgam is durable and cost-effective for big restorations. It is also more forgiving if the tooth cannot be kept perfectly dry during placement
Considerations: It looks metallic and does not bond to tooth tissue, so the cavity shape often needs more mechanical retention. Decisions about replacing older metal fillings are best made tooth by tooth after a proper examination
Analogy: A sturdy metal patch on a toolbox. Not subtle, very reliable
Glass ionomer cement (GIC)
Best for: Children, small cavities near the gum line and situations where fluoride release is useful
Typical lifespan: Generally 3 to 7 years
What it feels like: Smooth but a little softer than composite in the first days
Why people choose it: GIC bonds chemically to the tooth and releases fluoride, which can help reduce new decay around the edges. It suits cases where moisture control is tricky
Considerations: Less resistant to wear and fracture, so it is not ideal for large load-bearing areas
Analogy: A protective undercoat that seals and safeguards, though not the toughest top layer
Porcelain (ceramic) inlays and onlays
Best for: Larger restorations where strength and a premium, tooth-like appearance matter
Typical lifespan: About 10 to 15 years, often longer with excellent care
What it feels like: Satin-smooth and hard, with a crisp fit that feels “part of the tooth”
Why people choose it: Porcelain is custom-made for a precise fit, resists staining and can reinforce weakened cusps
Considerations: Usually involves laboratory work and a second visit unless your clinic offers same-day milling. The fee is higher than a direct filling
Analogy: A custom ceramic tile cut to slot perfectly into a floor, built to last under daily foot traffic
Gold inlays and onlays
Best for: People who value longevity and function over a tooth-coloured look
Typical lifespan: Frequently 15 to 30 years
What it feels like: Exceptionally smooth and gentle on the opposing tooth
Why people choose it: Gold is extremely durable and kind to your bite over decades
Considerations: Clearly visible and higher upfront cost
Analogy: A trusty spanner in the toolkit. Not pretty, incredibly dependable
Side-by-side comparison
| Material | Best use | Typical lifespan | Key advantage | Primary limitation |
| Composite resin | Front teeth, small to medium back fillings | 5 to 10 yrs | Natural look, conservative on teeth | Can chip or stain on heavy loads |
| Amalgam | Large posterior restorations | 10 to 15+ yrs | Very durable, economical | Metallic appearance, more tooth shaping |
| Glass ionomer | Children, gum line areas | 3 to 7 yrs | Bonds and releases fluoride | Lower wear resistance |
| Porcelain inlay or onlay | Large aesthetic repairs | 10 to 15+ yrs | Life-like and strong | Cost, lab time |
| Gold inlay or onlay | Long-term posterior repairs | 15 to 30 yrs | Exceptional longevity | Cost, metal look |
What to expect during a filling
- Assessment and imaging
Your dentist examines the tooth and may take an x-ray to gauge depth and spread. You will hear a clear explanation of the choices with pros and cons for your situation. - Local anaesthetic
The area is numbed. Most people feel vibration, water spray and light pressure rather than pain. - Removal of decay
Soft, decayed tissue is cleared, and the cavity is shaped for the chosen material. You may notice the clean, slightly medicinal scent of the disinfectant gel. - Preparation and isolation
A rubber dam may be placed. It keeps the tooth dry and gives you a calmer, less splashy experience. - Placement
Direct materials such as composite or GIC are placed, shaped and set in the chair. Indirect restorations such as porcelain or gold are fabricated, then bonded or cemented at a second visit. - Finishing and bite check
The surface is polished so it feels silky to the tongue. Your dentist checks that your bite meets evenly on both sides.
What the evidence says about longevity
Material choice is part science, part context. High-quality reviews show that in some back teeth, especially when the cavity is large or the bite is heavy, tooth-coloured composites can fail more often than amalgam. That does not make composite a poor choice. It means technique, moisture control and cavity size matter.
If you like to see the primary source, the Cochrane review on composite versus amalgam in posterior teeth summarises the research clearly.
Caring for fillings so they last
- Clean daily
Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth once a day. Pay special attention to the fine ledge where filling meets tooth. - Be kind to your bite
Avoid chewing ice or very hard lollies. Never use your teeth to open packets. - Manage grinding
If you clench or grind, ask about a night guard. It protects restorations and natural teeth. - Keep regular checks
Small defects are easier to fix than large ones. For timing and simple schedules, this guide on how often to visit the dentist explains what helps most Australians stay on top of things.
When a filling needs attention
Book a review if you notice any of the following.
- Sensitivity to cold, heat or sweetness that lingers beyond a few seconds
- A chip or crack, or a piece breaking away
- A dark line or shadow around the filling edge
- Sharp pain on biting, or a persistent unpleasant taste
If decay is caught early or a minor repair is needed, this practical explainer on how to repair decayed teeth walks through the options and what each visit feels like.
If a filling is not enough
Sometimes the hole is too large for a standard filling. A protective cap can restore strength and keep the tooth working well. You can read about crowns and bridges in Bondi Junction. If decay has reached the nerve, root canal therapy can relieve pain and save the tooth. These are everyday treatments with predictable outcomes when planned properly.
Final thoughts
There is no single best filling for every mouth. The right choice depends on where the tooth sits, how much natural structure is left, how hard you bite and how you feel about appearance and cost. A good plan preserves as many healthy teeth as possible while delivering reliable function and a result you are happy to show. If you would like tailored advice, book an assessment through our General Dental page. We will examine the tooth, talk through material choices and expected longevity, and outline a clear path back to comfortable chewing.